Sterling Chrome Pilot Wings current ?

[1st Sgt CES]

Hello Everyone---has anyone seen this before. Raised sterling chrome wings ? No maker mark. This is the first time for me. Please feel free to input. Thanks Mark

[rustywings]

Not common, but there where Rhodium plated wings available for private purchase as far back as WWII...

[LuftStalg1]

Seems funny to plate silver but it was done to prevent tarnishing and is still done today on occasion.

[cwnorma]

Rhodium, platinum, and palladium are all "premium' finishes applied to sterling silver. A Chromium finish is much thicker, and will tend to obscure details. My guess is that your wing is one of those and not Chromium. One non-invasive, way to tell for sure is with a strong magnet; chromium has magnetic properties and chrome plating will exhibit a weak magnetic attraction. Rhodium, platinum and palladium, and of course sterling silver are all non-magnetic.

 

Rhodium, platinum, and palladium finishes have been used on sterling sliver flatware for more than a century.

 

Here is a WW1 era wing [probably] made by the Paye and Baker company of North Attleboro Falls MA, with a rhodium, platinum, or palladium finish:

 

 

 

 

Chris

 

 

[1st Sgt CES]

Thank you all for your input on these wings-- I learn something new all the time-----Blue Skies Mark